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SB665/HB1328 passed the TN General Assembly in May ans was signed by Governor Lee on May 10, revising some portions of TWRA's regulatory authority. For example, any new fees are postponed until July 1, 2021 and have to be implemented by rule which has to be approved by the General Assembly. Other revisions were also made as TPA members know through Association electronic bulletins and updates.
TWRA's regulation of paddlecraft rental operations are poised to take effect August 1, 2019, ninety days after the expiration of the Governor's moratorium on implementation of new regulations. But many of the regulations, such as the reporting requirements and putting names on boats and SUP's are not likely to take effect this year.
TPA has analyzed the regulations and looks forward to working with TWRA on some common sense adjustments prior to their implementation in 2020.
What do the regulations mean for your business this season?
⦁ Technically, the operating requirements in TWRA's regulations are legally effective on the date the regulations take effect, which is expected to be August 1st. But TWRA is not expected to enforce many of the new regulations until 2020, such as putting your company name or logo on your boats. Some regulations have been in effect for years, such as boating safety regulations related to the use of life jackets and DOT regulations. Those will continue to be enforceable this season. In the meantime, there are some actions you may need to take to prepare for the permit application this Fall and for next season's reporting requirements.
All outfitters renting paddlecraft to the public on waters of the state will be required to have a TWRA permit and comply with TWRA regulations in 2020 except for outfitters operating under permit in National Forests or the TN Department of Environment and Conservation.
For updates and more information, join the TN Paddlesports Association.
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